Research Projects

Silica, a quasi-essential element, has been shown to boost plant growth and productivity even under stressed conditions. Nanotechnology has facilitated the uptake of silica nanoparticles in plant roots, enhancing its stress alleviating potential. The development of silica nanoparticle-based nanoformulations is being considered to manage the harmful impacts of salinity stress. Silica nanoparticles confer improved salinity tolerance by decreasing ROS accumulation, maintaining membrane fluidity, cell wall modification, regulating stomata movement, and osmotic and ionic balance. Silicon transporters (LSi1, LSi2, LSi6) are involved in the uptake and translocation of silica in the plant body. The uptake of silica nanoparticles into sub-cellular organelles like chloroplast and their ability to influence its functioning remains an enigma. Stress tolerance in plants is achieved through the interaction between genes, enzymes, and metabolites at the molecular level. Maintaining photosynthetic efficiency is a crucial factor determining stress tolerance in plants. The application of silica nanoparticles directly or indirectly protects chloroplast function by protecting organelles from enhanced Na+ or increasing the expression of photosynthesis-related genes. Experimental design: Two crop plants – Oryza sativa (silicified) and Lens culinaris (non-silicified) – will be used to understand the factors governing the uptake and translocation of silica nanoparticles. Salinity stress will be induced in the plants with NaCl, and silica nanoparticles of different sizes will be applied to understand the size-dependent translocation of nanoparticles into the chloroplast. The effect of silica nanoparticle uptake in chloroplast will be correlated with changes in photosynthesis-related gene expression levels.